Reuben Foster again picks Alabama

Tuesday

Feb 5, 2013 at 12:01 AM

It was Alabama fans feeling the love Monday night when Reuben Foster verbally committed to the Crimson Tide program for the second time in a year and a half. Foster originally pledged to Nick Saban and staff in July 2011, the summer before his junior season before flipping to Auburn last July. He reopened his recruitment when Auburn coach Gene Chizik and staff were fired following the 2012 season.

By Aaron SuttlesSports Writer

He loves me. He loves me not.

That's how both the University of Alabama and Auburn University football fan bases must have felt during the back-and-forth, sometimes circus, recruitment of five-star linebacker Reuben Foster.

But it was Alabama fans feeling the love Monday night when Foster verbally committed to the Crimson Tide program for the second time in a year and a half. Foster originally pledged to Nick Saban and staff in July 2011, the summer before his junior season before flipping to Auburn last July. He reopened his recruitment when Auburn coach Gene Chizik and staff were fired following the 2012 season.

Foster announced his decision on the Fox Sports Network with his family and young daughter at his side. He had Alabama, Auburn and Georgia listed as his three finalists.

With his arms around his daughter and his face buried alternately in her back and in his hands, Foster announced, “I will be attending the University of Alabama.”

“I've been loving Alabama since I was a pup,” Foster said. “I was raised as an Alabama fan from my mom and dad.”

Although he chose Alabama, his commitment isn't final until he signs a National Letter of Intent and faxes it to Alabama on Wednesday. If his recruitment is any indication, Alabama fans would be wise to hold off celebrating until the fax is received at the Mal Moore Football Building on Bryant Drive.

The decision clearly weighed on the 6-foot-2, 228-pound inside linebacker. He said he made up his mind moments before the live announcement.

“On my way up here,” Foster said. “I'm just confused. When I went on air it just came out with the heart.

“(Alabama's) been in the mix since I was a pup, my ninth-grade year,” Foster said. “I've loved them since day one. I love Alabama. I thought I was just too young to commit, so I decommitted. I found something new and that was Auburn. Coach (Trooper) Taylor showed me something new because I fell in love with him.”

The relationship was so close with Taylor and the Tigers coaching staff that he got an Auburn tattoo. After Taylor was let go from Auburn, Foster realized he had to do what was best for him.

“It ain't all about emotion. It's a business. It's a business decision,” he said.

“I'm super excited just to know (Alabama) can put me at that next level just to take care of my little girl and my family. Everybody says Coach Saban is uptight. He's not uptight to me. To me he's just trying to get the job done. Every time I'm with him he's smiling too. He's smiling 24-7.

“At camp, you don't want to see him because he'll get all in your face. But that's coaching. It's tough love. But the other side other than just football it's love and care.”

Foster's commitment vaulted Alabama to No. 1 in the Rivals.com team rankings.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron.suttles@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0229.